Early Academic Pursuits :

He commenced his academic journey with a Bachelor's in Electronics and Communications from the Motilal Nehru National Institute of Technology, Allahabad. He then pursued a Master's degree in Aerospace Engineering at the Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur (IITK), focusing on the design and development of an autonomous lightweight powered paraglider. This academic pursuit laid the groundwork for his future explorations in aerospace systems and autonomous flight technologies.

Professional Endeavors :

His professional career has been characterized by a diverse spectrum of roles and experiences. His journey embarked with roles at esteemed organizations such as VTOL Aviation Pvt. Ltd. and the Gas Authority of India Limited (GAIL). Prashant's tenure at Bharat Heavy Earth Movers (BEML) involved the design and development of an indigenous tactical UAV, showcasing his expertise in hybrid UAVs and system identification techniques.

Contributions and Research Focus :

His contributions span a range of research domains, prominently in Flight Dynamics & Control, Aircraft/UAV Design, System Identification/Parameter Estimation, and Neural Networks/AI/Machine Learning. His Ph.D. thesis at IITK, titled "Estimating Linear and Non-linear Aerodynamic Parameters for Manned and Unmanned Aerial Systems using Neuro Artificial Bee Colony Fusion Algorithm," exemplifies his in-depth research in the field of aerodynamics, emphasizing the integration of AI-based algorithms for parameter estimation in aerospace systems.

Accolades and Recognition :

Throughout his academic and professional journey, He has garnered recognition for his innovative work. His contributions in the development of new products and technologies for defense manufacturing, as evidenced during his tenure at Larsen & Toubro and the Uttar Pradesh Defence Industrial Corridor, underscore his commitment to innovation and technological advancement in the aerospace sector.

Impact and Influence :

His influence is demonstrated through his numerous roles, from Senior Project Executive Officer to Associate System Engineer at Boeing India Private Limited. His hands-on experience in system analyses, safety assessments, and collaboration on aerospace engineering projects has left a tangible impact on the development and safety standards within the industry.

Legacy and Future Contributions :

Notable Publications :

• Selection of size of battery for solar powered aircraft
• Detection and estimation of natural gas leakage using uav by machine learning algorithms
• Real-time object detection and recognition using fixed-wing Lale VTOL UAV
• Dynamic waypoint navigation and control of light weight powered paraglider
• Real-time vision-based tracking of a moving terrain target from Light Weight Fixed Wing UAV using gimbal control
• Low-cost smart surveillance and reconnaissance using VTOL fixed wing UAV
• Simulation and Analysis of Spring Based Transverse Axis Sensing MEMS Capacitive Accelerometer
• Sensor Based System Identification in Real Time for Noise Covariance Deficient Models.
• Nonlinear model-predictive integrated guidance and control scheme applied for missile-on-missile interception
• Longitudinal Aerodynamic Parameters Estimation using Machine Learning with Neuro Artificial Bee Colony Fusion Algorithm. (NABC)

Early Academic Pursuits :

She embarked on her academic journey at the prestigious Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Kharagpur, where she pursued a dual degree in Ocean Engineering and Naval Architecture. Her thirst for knowledge led her to the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, USA, where she earned her Ph.D. in Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering. Her master's thesis involved intricate computational fluid dynamics (CFD) analysis of propeller hydrodynamic performance, showcasing her early penchant for complex engineering problems.

Professional Endeavors :

With over a decade-long tenure as a tenured faculty member at IIT Kharagpur, Nabanita Datta served as an Assistant Professor and later as an Associate Professor, significantly contributing to research, academia, and administrative duties. Her academic repertoire spans varied disciplines, including vibrations of ocean structures, hydroelastic response analysis, and wind technology. Her multidisciplinary approach is evident in her collaborations and consulting roles with esteemed organizations like GE Global Research, Tata Consultancy Services, Larsen & Toubro, and Indian Register of Shipping (IRS), among others.

Contributions and Research Focus in Engineering :

Her research endeavors encompass a wide spectrum, ranging from fluid-structure interaction and soil-structure interaction simulations of offshore wind turbine towers to passive vibration control of structures with viscoelastic foundation under dynamic loads. Her pioneering work in wind turbine design, rotor CFD analysis, blade fabrication, and offshore wind technology has brought innovations to the renewable energy sector.

Accolades and Recognition :

Her contributions have been recognized through numerous awards and accolades, including sponsored projects for setting up vibration labs, research grants for wind turbine design, and recognition from various industry giants like GE, Boeing, and Siemens-Gamesa. Her prolific publications in esteemed journals and conferences have also garnered appreciation and acclaim in the academic community.

Impact and Influence :

Her impact extends beyond her academic contributions; she has mentored and guided numerous doctoral, postgraduate, and undergraduate students, fostering a culture of innovation and research excellence. Her expertise in project management, consultancy, and extensive collaborations with industry players have significantly influenced the practical application of her research findings.

Legacy and Future Contributions :

Notable Publications :

• Hydroelastic analysis of surface wave interaction with concentric porous and flexible cylinder systems
• Dynamic response spectra of fractionally damped viscoelastic beams subjected to moving load
• Dynamic response of plates resting on a fractional viscoelastic foundation and subjected to a moving load.
• A Rayleigh-Ritz based approach to characterize the vertical vibration of non-uniform hull girder
• On the transient response of plates on fractionally damped viscoelastic foundation
• Hydroelastic analysis of axially loaded Timoshenko beams with intermediate end fixities under hydrodynamic slamming loads
• Free transverse vibration of mono-piled ocean tower
• Dynamic response of Euler-Bernoulli beam resting on fractionally damped viscoelastic foundation subjected to a moving point load.
• Hydroelastic response of Kirchhoff plates to transient hydrodynamic impact loads.
• Free transverse vibration of ocean tower

Early Academic Pursuits :

He began his academic journey with a Bachelor of Engineering in Mechanical Engineering from University College of Engineering (UCE), Burla. His undergraduate project, focused on "Production of a bronze bush by powder metallurgy technique," laid the groundwork for his interest in materials and manufacturing processes. Subsequently, he pursued a Master of Technology in Manufacturing Process and Systems and later a Ph.D. from KIIT University, Bhubaneswar, which further honed his expertise in the field of nonlinear free vibration, flexural analysis, and hygrothermal effects on laminated composite structures.

Professional Endeavors :

He boasts an extensive career in academia, spanning over 18 years in teaching, research, and administrative roles. He held positions in esteemed institutions like Veer Surendra Sai University of Technology (VSSUT) and KIIT University, contributing significantly to the fields of Mechanical Engineering and Production Engineering. His tenure included roles as Associate Professor, Assistant Professor, Senior Lecturer, and various administrative responsibilities.

Contributions and Research Focus in Engineering :

His research interests span a wide spectrum, focusing on laminated composite structures, smart composite structures, nonlinear finite element methods, vibro-acoustic analysis, functionally graded materials, machining optimization, and fault diagnosis. His notable work includes the development of a micromechanical model to study the nonlinear free vibration and flexural behavior of laminated composite structures under hygrothermal loading, emphasizing the impact of environmental factors on composite material properties.

Accolades and Recognition :

He received several awards and distinctions, acknowledging his exemplary contributions to research and education. Awards such as the "IEI Young Engineers Award," "International Young Scientist Award," and various accolades from The Institution of Engineers (India) validate his scholarly endeavors and noteworthy presentations in national and international forums.

Impact and Influence :

His extensive involvement in academic and administrative domains, along with memberships in various professional societies and organizations, showcases his influence in fostering academic development, promoting research, and nurturing the next generation of engineers and researchers.

Legacy and Future Contributions :

His legacy lies in his multidisciplinary research contributions, educational leadership, and commitment to the advancement of engineering knowledge. His future contributions are anticipated to further enrich the fields of composite structures, smart materials, nonlinear analysis, and machining optimization, impacting both academia and industry positively.

Notable Publications :

• Thermoelastic nonlinear frequency analysis of CNT reinforced functionally graded sandwich structure
• Nonlinear thermoelastic frequency analysis of functionally graded CNT-reinforced single/doubly curved shallow shell panels by FEM
• Theoretical and experimental investigation of vibration characteristic of carbon nanotube reinforced polymer composite structure
• Thermal buckling behaviour of shear deformable functionally graded single/doubly curved shell panel with TD and TID properties
• Effect of different temperature load on thermal postbuckling behaviour of functionally graded shallow curved shell panels
• Finite-element solution to nonlocal elasticity and scale effect on frequency behavior of shear deformable nanoplate structure
• Static, free vibration and transient response of laminated composite curved shallow panel–an experimental approach
• Nonlinear free vibration analysis of laminated composite spherical shell panel under elevated hygrothermal environment: a micromechanical approach
• Nonlinear thermoelastic deflection of temperature-dependent FGM curved shallow shell under nonlinear thermal loading
• Large amplitude vibration analysis of laminated composite spherical panels under hygrothermal environment